We are living in a time of tremendous needs and challenges. We do not have to venture too far to feel the impact of those needs and challenges, such as
• The loss and suffering among our faith community
• Flood victims in Australia
• Rising fuel prices and the cost of living
• The war in Ukraine
• Oppression of believers worldwide
• The surge of infections in Hong Kong
According to the Bible, the world is not going to get better. How do we continue to live a thriving life when there are so many troubles and changes?
The Apostle Paul encourages us to boast in the hope of the glory of God and not only so, but to boast in our sufferings. It is because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).
In the face of hardship, Paul’s secret is to trust in God’s provision and faithfulness. The suffering that we endure is an opportunity for God to transform us through the Holy Spirit that we may experience God’s grace and strength. When our hope is fixed on God, we will come to see that the troubles and sufferings have a higher purpose in our lives.
Dear Lord, there are many troubles, changes and needs in the world. We have to confess that very often, we are not able to make sense of them. Please help us to see and to experience your faithfulness and mercy and your hand in leading the world, and to thrive in life’s changing circumstances.
Let’s also pray for the countries and believers in Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Information on Ukraine:
https://operationworld.org/locations/ukraine/
Information on Afghanistan:
https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/afghanistan/
我們生活在一個極大需要和挑戰的時代。我們不需走太遠就能感受到這些需求和挑戰的衝擊，例如
• 我們信仰群體中的痛失和需要
• 受洪水影響的澳洲災民
• 不斷上漲的燃料價格和生活費用
• 烏克蘭的戰爭
• 信徒在世界中所受的壓迫
• 香港感染人數激增
根據聖經，世界是不會變得越來越好的。我們如何在那麼多的困難和變化中持續有蓬勃成長的生命？
使徒保羅鼓勵我們要以盼望得享神的榮耀誇口，不但如此，我們也要以患難誇口。這是因為患難生出忍耐，忍耐生出老練，老練生出盼望。（羅馬書5:3-4）
面對艱辛，保羅的秘訣是相信神的供應和信實。我們所受的苦難是神藉著聖靈改變我們的機會，使我們可以經歷神的恩典和能力。當我們的盼望是專注於神的時候，就會看到難處和苦難在我們生命中有更高的意義。
親愛的主，世上有許多的困難、變化和需要。我們必須常常承認，那些是我們無法明白的。請幫助我們看見及經歷你的信實、恩慈和你引領世界的手，以及在不斷變化的環境中成長。
讓我們也為烏克蘭和阿富汗兩個國家和信徒們祈禱。
烏克蘭的英語資訊：
https://operationworld.org/locations/ukraine/
阿富汗的資訊：
https://www.opendoors.org.hk/TC/persecution/countries/afghanistan/
